Bad Smell When RV Air Conditioner Is Run

by Ken
(Alberta)

I get an almost sewery type smell when first use the AC it is especially noticeable if you go out for awhile and then come back in.

ANSWER: Greetings Ken thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

Firs I am assuming that your RV has Roof Top Air Conditioners. Here are some things to check on. First make sure that the filter on your air conditioner is clean, if not it would be a good idea to clean it. Most RV AC filters cam be carefully washed in warm water with some mild dish detergent. After washing and rinsing the filter let it air dry until it is completely dry and reinstall it.

If the filter is torn or will not clean up you should replace the RV Air Conditioner Filter. You should check and clean these filters at least once a month.

Once the filter/s is removed on most RV Air Conditioning units you will be able to see the evaporator coils. Get a flashlight and look at those coils to see if there is any type of accumulation of dirt or debris present, if there is use a very soft bristle vacuum attachment to carefully remove the dust and dirt.

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In the next step you are going to have to go up on the roof of your RV. The smell could be coming from the roof unit itself due to a little critter that has gotten into the unit and died or even from stagnant water that is not properly draining from the unit. You will have to remove the shroud on the air conditioner which is normally held on with several screws.


Once you have the shroud off you should inspect the interior of the Air Conditioner for any dead critters and clean and remove them as needed. Another area you should inspect is the evaporator drain pan. To get to the drain pan you may have remove any cover that is attached to the evaporator.

Once you access the drain pan, you may see that there is stagnant water that is not draining from the pan. If that is the case check the drain pan for any blocked drain holes. Also check to make sure that no one has sealed around the drain holes of the Air Conditioner, thinking they were fixing a leak.

If none of the above solves the smell problem then in all likelihood the smell is coming from a broken Black Water or Grey Water vent pipe inside the RV or the fumes are coming directly from the vent pipes on the roof of your RV.

Hope this helps.

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RVing Al

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